MCTA debuts 2010 guide for funding

The Moffat County Tourism Association released its 2010 event funding application Wednesday, along with new guidelines for those seeking dollars.

MCTA is a government organization that seeks to expand local tourism through the use of county lodging tax revenue.

As part of its stated mission to expand tourism to the area, the MCTA board decided it only would contribute to events for advertising outside of Moffat, Routt and Rio Blanco counties.

All funds are paid on a reimbursement basis as well and can be collected after event organizers submit receipts or invoices.

Other changes are designed to make it easier for organizers to apply, MCTA Director Michelle Balleck wrote in a news release Wednesday.

Whereas in the past, the board liked to set a hard application deadline early in the year, MCTA is asking all funding requests be submitted at least six months before the event.

Applications submitted after the six-month out timeframe still will be considered, but the group cautions that event funding is a first-come, first-serve opportunity.

The board also removed a standing stipulation that events become self-sustaining, Balleck said.

In the past, preference was given to new events with the thought that lodging tax funds should be used to expand the number local tourism draws.

"In the past, the board had stressed the importance of profit from previous years' events being applied to the next year's event and for that event to become self-sufficient," Balleck said. "But the board believes that if an event is successful and attracts tourists, it should not limit its access to MCTA funds."

MCTA also plans to weigh fundraisers evenly with other events, where in the past, the board preferred events that could rollover profits from one year to the next, Balleck said.

The complete application and additional details are available under the "Event Funding" tab on www.moffatcountytourism.com.

For more information or to submit an application, call Balleck at 824-2335 or 629-3914.